How to Keep Your Basement Dry This Fall

Fall is one of our favorite seasons. Plaid shirts, the changing colors of the leaves, and the enticing aroma of pumpkin pie are just some of the things that make us happy when the colder months arrive. However, fall also brings its own special challenges when it comes to knowing how to keep your basement dry.

The increase in rain and the added debris of falling leaves can add up to big problems if you’re not prepared. Here’s our handy guide to making sure that water in your basement doesn’t dampen your mood this fall.

Check your gutters

Fall leaves may look pretty, but if they clog up your gutters, they can cause water to pool near your home’s foundation. Keeping your gutters clear means that the water only ends up where it’s supposed to – down the downspout and not in your basement.   

You can check them yourself if you have a tall ladder, but make sure you follow gutter cleaning safety advice. For the best results, get your gutters cleaned and inspected by a professional who can check for and complete any repairs and make sure your gutters are in tip-top condition.

Downspout maintenance

Clear gutters won’t help much if your downspouts aren’t doing their job. Keeping water away from your home’s foundation is essential to keep your basement dry and your foundation intact. 

If the downspouts are draining the water onto the ground near your foundation, that water can end up in your basement. You can solve that problem with an underground downspout extension that carries the water a safe distance away where it isn’t going to seep into your basement.

Already have an issue with your foundation due to water damage? You may need to consider structural repairs.

Check your window wells and your windows.

If you have a home with basement windows at ground level, you probably also have window wells. Without the right care and maintenance, water can leak into your basement from the window well. The window wells should be clear of any debris like fallen leaves and twigs, and any drains should be clear.

Even if you don’t have window wells, you should check the windows too. Poorly fitted or maintained windows can allow water to seep through any cracks or rotten areas, causing you problems with damp in your basement.

Waterproof your basement

To make sure you’re protected against unwanted water issues like mold and structural damage by having your basement professionally waterproofed. At Affordable Waterproofing, our experienced technicians inspect your basement and the area surrounding your property so that we can install a full water management system that keeps your basement dry all year round.

From sump pumps to French drains, and waterproof sealings, we have over 30 years of experience in helping homeowners to protect their basements from the devastation of water damage.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you waterproof your basement and protect your property without breaking the bank.